Denver-based community solar company SunShare and construction firm Mortenson have joined forces to develop and build community solar gardens across Minnesota.

Denver-based community solar company SunShare and construction firm Mortenson have joined forces to develop and build community solar gardens across Minnesota. According to a news release, SunShare will develop, finance and own the solar gardens, while Mortenson will serve as the full engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor.

The renewable electricity generated by the new solar gardens will be available to Xcel Energy customers who sign up for the company’s new Solar Rewards Community program. The initiative allows Xcel customers to subscribe to solar gardens built by independent developers, and then receive credits on their electricity bills. The program debuted in Minnesota in December 2014, and is available to Xcel Energy customers across Hennepin, Dakota, Ramsey, Wright, Carver, Scott, Anoka and Washington counties.

“This partnership with Mortenson ensures that we have the best local talent and team to build our solar gardens at scale,” said David Amster-Olszewski, founder & CEO of SunShare. “This relationship shows our commitment to deliver state-of-the-art, long-term, scalable energy solutions to residents and businesses in Minnesota.”

Xcel Energy’s Solar Rewards Community program in Minnesota places no limit on the number of solar gardens that can be built across the state. The company offers a similar program in Colorado that has proved highly successful with its customers.